How to Replace Your Water Filter Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing your water filter cartridge is the most important maintenance task for any filtration system. Here's a clear step-by-step guide that works for most Australian benchtop, under-sink, and gravity-fed systems.

Browse our replacement cartridge range, see our Replacement Filter Cartridges Guide for system-specific intervals, or our Benchtop Water Filters Guide for full system information.

When to Replace Your Cartridge

Most cartridges need replacing every 6–12 months. Replace sooner if you notice a drop in flow rate, a return of chlorine taste or smell, or visible sediment in the water. Don't wait for the water to taste bad — by then the cartridge has been exhausted for a while.

Step-by-Step: Replacing an 8-Stage KDF Gravity Cartridge

This applies to Awesome Water benchtop coolers and gravity-fed purifiers using our 8-stage KDF cartridge.

1. Remove the top chamber from your cooler or benchtop purifier and empty any remaining water.
2. Remove the old cartridge — lift it out of the top chamber. Dispose of it responsibly (check your local council for recycling options).
3. Rinse the top chamber with clean water to remove any sediment or residue.
4. Unwrap the new cartridge and place it in the top chamber, dome-side down.
5. Fill the top chamber with tap water and allow it to filter through into the lower chamber. Discard the first full chamber of filtered water — this flushes any carbon fines from the new cartridge.
6. Refill and use normally. Your water is now filtered through the fresh cartridge.

Step-by-Step: Replacing an Under-Sink or Benchtop Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the filter system.
2. Open the filter housing using a filter wrench (usually supplied with the system). Have a bucket or towel ready for any water that spills.
3. Remove the old cartridge and dispose of it responsibly.
4. Clean the inside of the housing with a soft cloth and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Install the new cartridge according to the manufacturer's instructions — usually insert and twist to lock.
6. Reassemble the housing and ensure all seals are secure.
7. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
8. Flush the new cartridge by running water through for 2–3 minutes before drinking. The water may appear slightly cloudy initially — this is normal and clears quickly.
9. Reset any filter indicator if your system has one.

Frequently Asked Questions